About 92% of American adults are estimated to have had at least one cavity in their lifetime. Given that prevalence, every person should adopt careful strategies to prevent tooth decay. Without taking these steps, your cavities could lead to painful problems that require extensive treatment from a dentist—including tooth fillings and root canals. To help you protect your smile, here are five essential cavity prevention tips you should practice.

5 Cavity Prevention Tips

1. Don’t Skip Routine Oral Hygiene

Plaque—a colorless film of bacteria found on teeth—is a leading cause of decay. When these bacteria consume sugars, they produce acids that slowly wear at dental enamel, causing cavities to form.

Fortunately, plaque can be effectively removed with twice-daily brushing. To make sure your teeth are clean, brush for two minutes using fluoridated toothpaste. Adopt a proper technique to cover all sides of the teeth.

Daily flossing is also critical, as it will remove plaque and food debris from in between teeth.

2. Swap Sugar for Healthy Foods

Any sugar—including carbohydrates found in bread—can contribute to cavity development. As such, it’s best to avoid sugar when it’s reasonable—such as by abstaining from sodas and sticky candies.

Instead of sweets, eat healthy and satisfying foods that help prevent cavities—such as calcium-rich dairy products that help strengthen teeth. Celery and apples are healthy options that promote the production of saliva—a natural substance that can help prevent cavities by neutralizing acidic activity in the mouth.

3. Stay Hydrated

When you don’t drink enough water, you’re more likely to experience dry mouth. This common problem creates an environment in which oral bacteria thrive, making it more likely for cavities to form. To reduce this danger, drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Fresh tap water also contains fluoride—a mineral that helps strengthen teeth.

4. Get Enough Vitamin D

Without enough vitamin D, your body can’t properly synthesize calcium to build stronger teeth. If you’re worried about your vitamin D intake, talk to your doctor about ways you can increase levels—such as by spending more time in the sun, consuming fortified yogurt, or taking supplements.

5. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months

During biannual teeth cleanings, dentists remove tough buildup that increases cavity risk. They’ll also carefully assess your oral health to detect and treat cavities early on before they turn into more complicated problems.

Whether you’re due for a teeth cleaning or need a cavity filled, Bream Dental Care in Waynesboro, VA, will keep your smile in good shape. Serving patients of all ages, these family dentists offer comprehensive care that is both thorough and comfortable. As a practice that’s committed to making oral health more accessible, they offer many of these services at affordable rates—even for those without insurance. To learn more about these services, visit this dental office online. If you’d like to schedule a free consultation as a new patient, call (540) 949-7246.